PFT’s 105th-ranked free agent, the 27-year-old Thomas started 10 games for the Chargers in 2013. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Thomas, who’s been a backup for most of his NFL career, has ideal bulk to play in the middle of the Steelers’ 3-4 front.

The Steelers are in need of defensive linemen. They have lost nose tackle/end Al Woods (Titans) and defensive end Ziggy Hood (Jaguars) since the beginning of free agency.

I liked this guy coming out of college , and I know the NT’s main job is oftentimes to tie up blockers and fight off double teams so the guys behind him can make plays , but . . . an average of 17.5 tackles per season and 1.5 sacks per season his first four years in the league don’t exactly conjure up visions of a great player . . .

I’m ok with it if they are bringing him in to be the backup NT. Anyone that thinks he will be and upgrade to Mclendon at that spot hasn’t done any research on him. There’s a reason he was benched last year.

NT in Steelers 34 Defense different then Chargers 43. In 34 defense NT primary job is to take up blockers and be up moveable freeing the linebackers to make plays. In a 43 defense NT job is also to rush the passer. Different players fit different styles a failure in one scheme could be a success in another.

Chargers actually play 3-4 not 4-3. Thomas is better suited to be a 4-3 Tackle. As big as he is for some reason he could not command double teams as a starter. Was much better as a rotational back up NT. He seemed over matched playing the high number of snaps a starter plays.